These small-deck decorating ideas make it easy to transform your outdoor space into a cozy oasis.
Tria Giovan
As warm weather arrives, roll up your sleeves for an outdoor refresh.
If your space needs a complete overhaul, consideradding a trellisor buyingfunctional deck furnitureperfect for seasonal entertaining.
Credit:Tria Giovan
Then select space-efficient furniture and accessories that boost comfort and facilitate your desired activities.
Plan for convenient electrical outlets.
Choose complementary fabrics and furniture thatenhance the design of the small deckand your outdoor living space.
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Do what you could to create a space that feels comfortable and welcoming.
Use Multi-Use Furniture
Decorate a small deck with outdoor furniture that pulls double duty.
This wood console, for example, provides a handy serving spot for snacks and refreshments.
Credit: John Bessler
Two stools tuck neatly underneath, ready to offer seating when the piece transitions into an outdoor dining table.
Consider choosing furniture that can easily transition from one setting into another.
A dining table, for example, can moonlight as a buffet during outdoor get-togethers.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Create a Conversation Pit
Arrange your deck furniture into a layout that encourages conversation.
Place chairs across from each other and ensure there are plenty of low surfaces for drinks and snacks.
Add colorful throw pillows and a table in the middle for the ideal hosting setup.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Start small with some new outdoor pillows, then extend to planters or tabletop accessories.
Ensure there’s plenty of room to navigate around the sides and enter the conversation area.
To lighten the visual weight, look for patio furniture with open woven designs or armless silhouettes.
Credit: Tria Giovan
Your tiny deck will feel bigger and lighter.
Just remember to keep it out of direct sunlight.
Add an Outdoor Bar
To assist with warm-weather entertaining, create anoutdoor bar.
Credit: David Tsay
Guests will love the ability to grab snacks and drinks without walking into your home.
This bar has a built-in ice bin to keep drinks cold and plenty of space for food and glasses.
Decorate with plants and hang an art piece above for a finished look.
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Train climbing vines up the screen for a lush effect.
Incorporate Built-In Seating
Maximize space on a small deck by incorporating seating around the perimeter.
This also frees up floor space at the center and creates more standing room.
Credit: Kimberly Gavin
Use Colorful Small-Deck Decor
Use color to liven up a small deck with big personality.
Consider updatingoutdoor dining furniturewith paint for a colorful statement.
Here, a dense vine climbs up support posts to form a screen of greenery.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Pots of various sizes border the cozy deck seating area for added color.
Here, a modest dining set abuts a group of low-slung seating and accent furniture.
An area rug distinguishes the conversation zone from the dining area.
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Fill Corners with Plants
Containers filled with lush plantingsare a simple but impactful small deck decorating idea.
Position large planters to fill in empty corners or frame your deck seating arrangement.
Lay Down an Outdoor Rug
Anchor your small deck with a high-styleoutdoor rug.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
A colorful, well-fitting rug ties smalldeck decorating ideastogether and provides interior-like appeal that can withstand the elements.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can and should play a part in any small-deck ideas.
Maintain the Proper Scale
Before you begin sorting through small-deck designs, think about scale.
Credit:Erin Kunkel
Your deck should maintain consistent proportion tothe yardand your home.
Too small or too big, and either the landscape or the deck will feel overwhelming.
Buteven in a minuscule yard or space, decks can be a great way to conquer those landscape challenges.
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Provide Visual Relief
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Think overhead, on the sides, and underfoot.
A deck floor in a pattern such as a basket weave or one set on a diagonal creates interest.
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Think of built-in seating with lids that flip up to hide outdoor cushions and toys.
If your small deck is elevated, tryhidden storage underneathfor seasonal furniture.
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